This is a great stop if you want to spend some time with the elephant seals without the crowds of Big Sur.

Although our trip landed on a gloomy 60's weekend weather, that did not take from the enjoyment we had at this state beach park. We stayed at the upper level of the San Simeon campground, which frankly was the better of the 3 available. I prefer to have some quiet, and level one although a bit closer to the beach was a bit more rowdy since it is bigger. Washburn was just plain depressing, maybe some people enjoy the views from up there so they don't mind the lack of trees and unpaved roads, but it just was too sad. Where we stayed at was just right, had beautiful trees, no neighbors behind our sites C13 and C15, and we could see and hear the ocean from where we stayed. The walk to the beach is not short, but who cares (unless you can't walk which is understandable for some people). The lower campsite is also not as close to the beach as one may seem to think, you still have to cross the trail and a stinky creek to get to the shore. So it's going to be a walk no matter what, and the hardest part is indeed the sandy part. At night time we got to hear owls too, see some bats, and cows. There is a cow farm/barn in the distant hills where the cows graze freely. The bathrooms are clean, and for $1.00 you get 12min of a hot shower. We took a drive to elephant seal beach, and got to see them bathing in the sun. On the way there, there is private land off the road where we saw Zebra’s. We were able to snap pics just off from the road, not disturbing the private land. We also saw blue jay's, some other little pretty birds, and squirrels (too friendly hmmmmm).  Wonderful time here, wish it didn't have to end. I loved it that all neighbors were respectful too.

And listen all night. Nice clean campground with plenty of spaces and an overflow for extras. Spent many summers camping here and now I live here! Hiking, ocean fishing, Cambria downtown only 5 miles away for bike rentals, gas, restaurants or grocery shopping. GREAT weather year round!

Love this campground! Tons of trees, walking distance to the beach. It’s beautiful!

On the central coast. Lots and lots of marine life. The coast village of Cambria just two miles south on the 1 highway.

Sites are spaced more than at other State Park campgrounds that we’ve been to. Nice hike to a beach with beautiful views, tho it’s rocky and covered with eel weed/kelp. Bathrooms are not cleaned too good, but they do have showers. No electric hookups. Some sites have water, ours did not.

This is a very family friendly campground, kids everywhere scooters, bicycles. Friendly staff. Beautiful  estuaries with wildlife. Great place to spend time with family.

Tucked in among trees and only a 5minute walk to the beach: it’s the best of both worlds. Nice clean bathrooms and showers. Plus a place to wash dishes! We love camping here and will come back every year.

Tent site C74 didn’t have much of a level setup site and was right across from the bathroom. We heard slamming doors all night. This particular site was practically on-top of the adjacent site. Good things is the proximity to the bathroom if you don’t mind the slamming doors. It was also close to the trashcans. We came in late and left early so we didn’t experience much of the park but it appeared well maintained and well traveled. Campsite was full so reservations are probably needed.

The sites are tight, it most are in the area to be out exploring all day. Many services, but the showers were down while we were there and no fire due to the area being in a State Park. Ultimately this felt like dispersed camping due to many services being out.